Poland in numbers

• Area: 312,696 km²

• Population: approximately 38 million people

• Capital: Warsaw

• Language: Polish

• Currency: Polish złoty (PLN)

• Number of scouts: approximately 100,000

• Fundation of The Polish Scouting and Guiding Association (ZHP): 1918

Poland is one of the largest countries in Central Europe. It covers an area of approximately 312,696 square kilometers, making it the ninth largest country in Europe. Poland shares borders with Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, and Russia (via the Kaliningrad Oblast).

The population of Poland is approximately 38 million people, making it the seventh most populous country in Europe. Warsaw is the capital and also the largest city in the country. The official language is Polish.

The currency in Poland is the Polish złoty (PLN). Poland has been a member of the European Union since 2004. Many Poles work and live in other EU countries as well as abroad.

Poland has a rich history, culture, and heritage. The country is home to numerous landmarks that attract tourists from around the world, such as the Royal Castle in Warsaw, Wawel Castle in Krakow, the Wilanów Palace and Park Complex, and many others. Poland is also known for its Polish cuisine, including pierogi, bigos, and sausage.

Poland is a dynamic and developing country that plays a significant role in Central Europe.

The Polish Scouting and Guiding Association

The Polish Scouting and Guiding Association (Związek Harcerstwa Polskiego) is the national scouting organization in Poland. It was established in 1918 and is one of the oldest and largest youth organizations in the country. The association has a rich history and has played a significant role in shaping the lives of Polish youth for over a century.

During its early years, The Polish Scouting and Guiding Association faced challenges and interruptions due to political events. However, it persevered and continued its activities even during difficult times. Scouting was banned during the years of World War II and the subsequent communist regime, but it operated underground and in exile, keeping the scouting spirit alive.

The Polish Scouting and Guiding Association follows the principles set by Sir Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting. The organization emphasizes the importance of activities in nature, community service, adventure, and personal development. Scouting in Poland also places a strong emphasis on preserving and promoting Polish cultural heritage, folk traditions, songs, and customs.

Currently, The Polish Scouting and Guiding Association consists of more 100,000 scouts across the country. Scout groups engage them in various activities, including camping, hiking, leadership training, and community service projects.

Poland has also been involved in international scouting events. The country hosted Central European Jamborees, Intercamps and will host the 26th World Scout Jamboree in Gdansk in 2027. 

The Polish Scouting and Guiding Association continues to inspire and educate young people, promoting values such as self-reliance, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility. It remains an integral part of Polish youth culture and plays a vital role in shaping the future generation of leaders and active citizens.

Interesting facts about Poland:

• Poland is famous for its rich history of scientific achievements. It is the birthplace of notable figures such as Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, and Nicolaus Copernicus, the astronomer who proposed the heliocentric model of the solar system.
• Poland has a strong cultural tradition in the performing arts. The country is renowned for its classical music composers, including Frédéric Chopin and Witold Lutosławski. 
• Poland is home to 16 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic city of Warsaw, the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp memorial, and the medieval Wawel Castle in Krakow.
• Gdańsk was the birthplace of the Solidarity movement, a Polish trade union and social movement that played a crucial role in ending communist rule in Poland. It was at this shipyard that Lech Wałęsa and other workers organized strikes demanding labor rights and political reforms.
• Polish is written using the Latin alphabet, just like English, but it includes several additional letters. These extra letters are Ł/ł, Ą/ą, Ć/ć, Ę/ę, Ń/ń, Ó/ó, Ś/ś, Ź/ź, and Ż/ż.